Jutta Leerdam of the Netherlands won gold in the women’s 1,000-meter speed skating event at the Winter Olympics on Monday, February 9, 2026, a victory years in the making. The win marks a significant moment for the Dutch skater, who has dedicated over two decades to the sport.
Leerdam’s emotional reaction to the win was visible as tears streamed down her face, smudging her mascara. “It’s tears of relief,” she said, adding, “The pressure I felt was immense. I’m starting to cry now that I realize it.”
Her fiancé, Jake Paul, was also overcome with emotion, sharing a video on Instagram of him watching the final moments of the race. Paul burst into tears as he realized Leerdam had secured the gold medal. “I’m so proud of you,” he wrote alongside the video.
Paul continued to express his joy and emotion even after the race, stating, “I can’t stop crying. That was huge from Jutta. She is the best in the world. I’m so happy for her. Sorry, I’m emotional.” The couple celebrated their triumph with a kiss in front of the cameras, proudly displaying Leerdam’s medal.
The victory comes after a long period of anticipation for Leerdam, who has long been considered a favorite in the event. The win underscores her dedication and skill in the sport. Femke Kok of the Netherlands took home the silver medal in the event.
Leerdam described the race as “the most beautiful 1,000 meters ever,” with superlatives falling short to capture the magnitude of her achievement. She acknowledged the immense pressure she had been under, a factor that contributed to the overwhelming emotion of the moment.
The win is particularly poignant given Leerdam’s long-term commitment to the sport. According to reports, she has sacrificed for over 20 years to reach this moment. The emotional scenes in the catacombs and on the podium highlighted the significance of the victory for both Leerdam and her partner, Jake Paul.
